If you’re concerned that someone isn’t coping and might be feeling suicidal, it’s important to discuss your concerns with them, and to ask direct questions. 

Samaritans' website has a page on how to support someone you're worried about. This gives clear, practical guidance on how to approach a conversation with someone you’re concerned about. It also covers helping someone get support, how to be a better listener and looking after yourself.

The resources offered on the PAPYRUS website include a conversation starter which can be downloaded. This guides people through how to start a conversation about suicide, and outlines useful questions to ask. 

If you’re concerned that someone isn’t coping and might be feeling suicidal, it’s important to discuss your concerns with them, and to ask direct questions. 

Samaritans' website has a page on
how to support someone you're worried about. This gives clear, practical guidance on how to approach a conversation with someone you’re concerned about. It also covers helping someone get support, how to be a better listener and looking after yourself.

The resources offered on the PAPYRUS website include a conversation starter which can be downloaded. This guides people through how to start a conversation about suicide, and outlines useful questions to ask. 

Suicide is an emotive, sensitive and complex subject so the use of appropriate, non-stigmatising and compassionate language can be really important.

The language we use matters because it conveys both hidden and explicit messages. We respond to words without even realising it and words can reinforce stigma and act as a barrier for people seeking the help and support they need.

As language evolves to reflect changes in attitudes towards suicide, certain terms which were previously used when talking about suicide are now understood to be insensitive.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for you to consider when talking about suicide. 

Do say

Don’t say

Why?

‘non-fatal’ or ‘made an attempt on his/her life’

‘unsuccessful suicide’

Talking about suicide in terms of success is not helpful. If a person survives, this language reinforces feelings of failure. If a person dies by suicide, it cannot ever be a success.

‘took their own life’, ‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended their own life’

‘successful suicide’

‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended his/ her own life

‘committed’ or ‘commit suicide’

To avoid association between suicide and ‘crime’ or ‘sin’ that may alienate some people.

‘concerning rates of suicide’

‘suicide epidemic’

To avoid sensationalism and inaccuracy.

Dr Angela Smith, a clinical psychologist with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust shared her personal experiences and feelings about the term ‘committed suicide’ in her blog post - Suicide is not a crime so please change the language.